Welcome to the E46Fanatics forums. E46Fanatics is the premiere website for BMW 3 series owners around the world with interactive forums, a geographical enthusiast directory, photo galleries, and technical information for BMW enthusiasts.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.

I've got a wavetrac ready to go in. Not sure how I'm going to get it installed now.... if I want to make sure its done right I might have to end up shipping the whole pumpkin out to Metric Mechanic or DiffsOnline... was really hoping there would be a shop somewhere in michigan that I could find to install it, damn.

There are two components of this job:
1. remove and replace the differential pumpkin from the car (any mechanic can do this)
2. replace the "open diff" internals inside the pumpkin with the LSD and seal it back up (this should be a pro with BMW diff experience)

Basically the shop estimate is 3hrs labor to remove and reinstall the differential case or pumpkin from the car.
Then expect about $400 for a professional diff builder to swap in the LSD into the differential case, and that will likely include any bearings or shims or other shop supplies.

There are two components of this job:
1. remove and replace the differential pumpkin from the car (any mechanic can do this)
2. replace the "open diff" internals inside the pumpkin with the LSD and seal it back up (this should be a pro with BMW diff experience)

Basically the shop estimate is 3hrs labor to remove and reinstall the differential case or pumpkin from the car.
Then expect about $400 for a professional diff builder to swap in the LSD into the differential case, and that will likely include any bearings or shims or other shop supplies.

So have you or have you not gotten your Wavetrac installed yet ?

I would disagree with your statement in bold letters. If those parts are needed, specifically the bearings, the price will definitely rise quickly. The last time I checked, Diffsonline was charging $300 for just a set of bearings.

Just had it installed last week. Diffsonline did my install while my car was at Turner Motorsports getting the rear subframe and diff bushings replaced. They said my bearings were shot, but maybe they just rebuilt them? I am assuming new seals would be needed on a 100k mile old diff. I wasn't charged any extra. I trust that whatever they did it's as good as new.

Obviously your mileage may vary, not all shops charge the same rates and they don't all have the same rules for what is included and what isn't.